Alexander & Melissa
Wedding Party
Carrie Day
Matron of Honor
Carrie & Missy have been sisters since... well, for as long as possible. In a family with four kids, that sibling love is strong. After being a Maid of Honor in Carrie's wedding in 2016 along with their sister Jess, Missy is blessed to have Carrie return the favor as her Matron of Honor. These two have been through lots of life together, including college at Virginia Tech, a #sisterselfie trip through Europe, and most recently the celebration of Carrie & Graham's baby boy Charlie. Cheers to new additions to the family, and great times ahead!
Evan Petersen
Best Man
I have had the pleasure of tormenting this poor guy for 24 years. Words cannot begin to describe how thankful I am for him and all the joy he has brought into our lives. Our shared sense of humor has gotten us into trouble more than once, and our chin beards always seem to give us away as brothers. I couldn't ask for better support both in my life and by my side on my wedding day. Evan is the type of man who will fiercely defend and champion you in all moments of your life. He has put up with my nonsense and been there to fact check my hyperbole. I think we would both agree that there is nothing the Petersen men cannot accomplish together.
Jessica Hughes
Maid of Honor
Jessica completes the Hughes sister trio, and will be Missy's Maid of Honor. After graduating from Emory & Henry College in Theater in 2016, Jess moved to Indy to see what Theater opportunities there might be near her sister in the Midwest. She got more than she bargained for, and met her boyfriend Peter. Desperately trying to impress Jess, Peter came to Missy's Spaghetti Night & brought his best friend Alex for backup. We never expected these two friends from high school to have locked down a pair of sisters...but here were are! Guess we have Peter & Jess to thank for being here today.
Peter Jackson
Groomsman
The proverbial "yin to my yang", Peter has helped me look on the bright side of life through his unique perspective. We became friends when Peter stood behind me at the bathroom urinal and asked what I was doing trying to mess with me... needless to say we ate lunch together every lunch period forward. I owe him a debt for having introduced me to Missy in the first place. Peter has served as a voice of reason and a life coach/running partner to endear the best in me. Our lives have been forever intertwined as friends, roommates, dating sisters, coworkers, and most importantly, brothers. To all the adventures yet to be, thanks Pete for being an amazing friend and keeping my ego in check, I know it is a tiresome task.
Tori Petersen
Bridesmaid
Tori was pretty protective of her big brother from the start, but it didn't take long for Tori to give her approval of Missy as part of the family. After Alex proposed (with Tori squatting & creeping behind a table taking video), Missy & Tori probably cried together more than Missy & Alex did. Good indication of sister bonding for many years to come. Missy is overjoyed to be gaining another sister, and especially someone as sweet & loving as Tori.
Adam McNeil
Groomsman
Although darker times might have bonded our fates, we have always brought light into each others lives. From "the touch" and "Best Man" patches, to minor league baseball games and watching football in the cold (and sometimes through a window), Adam has been one of my closest and most fearsome supporters. If anyone ever needs a hype-man, this is your guy. Adam and his charisma have charmed the pants off of about everyone I know. His booming laugh and unmistakable joy for life have been resounding gifts in all of our lives.
Kelsey Brown
Bridesmaid
Kelsey & Missy met at the Wesley Foundation, the Methodist campus ministry, at Virginia Tech. Their friendship grew, and they've become sisters. Nobody could ask for a more dependable, loyal, and kindhearted friend. After being a bridesmaid in Carrie's wedding, nothing could be more natural than making another wedding appearance in the next Hughes sister wedding. And if you ever mess with Missy...Kelsey will come hunt you down.
Johnny Hughes
Groomsman
Johnny and I first shared our love of "getting Missy's goats" on the ski slopes in West Virginia. His hard hitting and thoughtful questions opened up a mutual dialogue of ambition, family, and friendship. I am honored to call him a brother. It has been a blast getting to share many a laugh over boat rides, vodka lemonades, and family shenanigans. Don't let his endearing smile fool you, he will whoop you in any chess match.
Josh "OJ" Peters
Bridesman
In college at Virginia Tech, Missy first met Josh (OJ) at the Wesley Foundation. Among their close friends, there was already a Josh, so OJ became affectionately known as the "Other Josh." Overtime, he quickly became #1 in their hearts, even though he kept the nickname. OJ is like a brother, and has probably spent every holiday with the Hughes family at one time or another. He was also the good luck charm for finding the perfect wedding dresses for both Carrie & Missy. The Hughes family is grateful to have OJ as another brother.
Katherine "Kat" Gabrielson
Groomswoman
Although Larry Dille mourns my matrimony, Kat and I celebrate our eternal friendship. Kat has been one of my closest friends as far back as I can remember. Our love and compassion for our friends brought us together and was sealed by some Burger King crowns. My love and appreciation for Kat knows no bounds. Our days as the axiomatic leaders of "The 10" got us into more hijinks than our parents will ever know. Distance has never soured our friendship, but rather given us greater appreciation and reason to celebrate all the majesty of this world.
Lisa Bobzien Rockacy
Bridesmaid
Lisa, Jason, Carson, & Emy Rockacy have been long-standing faithful lovers of Spaghetti Night. Not only are Lisa & her family great friends, they embody the spirit of hospitality that Missy & Alex desire in their lives. Long before Alex & Missy met (at spaghetti night), Lisa can attest that Missy used to say, "I really hope two people meet at my Spaghetti Night, fall in love, and invite me to their wedding." LOL. Missy never would have suspected it to be her. If you think this is a tall tale...just ask Lisa.
Clayton Mutert
Groomsman
Clayton is one of those people who leaves a lasting impression. His ability to connect to anyone and everyone was what brought our friendship together in Mr. Cooper's 8th grade algebra class. We had more fun during those 50 minute classes than many do in a lifetime. Football, music, street sports, you name it, we did it. We used to walk all over Woodstock exploring all the fun that the small town had to offer. I am thankful for Clayton's friendship as he constantly reminds me to appreciate each moment. He has grown into one hell of a rock star, and I am always thankful to see the community that he and his family continue to build.
Heather Kenison
Bridesmaid
Heather & Missy moved to Indy months apart, and quickly became close friends. Back then, in the days of single lady wine nights, they used to dream longingly about leaving the days of singleness behind them. When Missy got her heart broken, Heather was there to wipe the tears & crash on the couch. First Heather & PJ got married, and now Alex & Missy follow. And even though times have changed, Missy is grateful to have such a kind, impressive, enneagram 8 friend like Heather to stand by her through the years.
Aaron Harrison
Groomsman
It is evident that I am an oldest child, but I never knew how much I needed an older brother. Aaron and I first met while serving the Indianapolis Community through Ambassadors of Change. I was a young upstart freshman, and Aaron was a worldly sophomore with a waxing knowledge of current affairs. We immediately hit it off as "deep thinkers" (our own words) with a shared passion for bettering tomorrow. Aaron became my official big brother in our fraternity, and continued to show me how to approach life with maturity and humility. I owe a special thanks to Aaron for helping me navigate my foray into the beer world. There has never been a shortage of aspiration or admiration between the two of us, and very time we see one another, it is a celebration for all that life was, is, and can be.
Andrew MacKenzie
Usher
Andrew is Missy's oldest cousin in the MacKenzie family. He is the definition of loving and genuine, and is truly honored to be an user in Missy & Alex's wedding. After several trips to Indy for GenCon & cousin visits, Alex & Andrew quickly hit it off and enjoyed some good board game bonding. Every family gathering with Andrew is a joy! Andrew currently lives in Maryland and works as a computer/IT technician.
Keely Thomlinson
Usher
One of Keely and I's favorite stories is when I started volunteering at Thr3e Wise Men Brewing. I met her and our current boss Omar, and I swiftly told them how I was going to help improve their process and make 3WM more efficient. Keely and Omar both laughed boisterously and told me I would be cleaning kegs and scrubbing drains. That first meeting has been emblematic of our friendship, me having a large ego and Keely abruptly keeping it in check with her wit and sass. From board game nights to movie marathons, and island adventures and liters at German beer halls, thanks for being my friend and showing us how to live the luxurious life.
Graham Day
Usher
Graham is the lucky guy who got to marry Missy's sister Carrie. He is definitely deserving of his titles: husband to Carrie, brother to the Hughes siblings, and father to Charlie Graham Day. Missy & Graham bond over their love for engineering. Graham arguably has the cooler job, though, since he gets to design robotics for theme parks. Have you seen Hagrid in Harry Potter world?! As great as he is at work, he's by far a much more incredible husband & dad. Missy & Alex are honored to have him as part of the wedding.
Cathy Hamaker
Usher
Cathy and I were bound by fate... but mostly beer and board games. Our friendship blossomed as we were ferociously tearing each other apart in Risk: Legacy. Our political banter and thoughtful conversations always leave me more inspired and appreciate of Cathy and her views on the world. Our weekly board game nights and culinary adventures are always my favorite parts of the week. My life in Indianapolis would just not be the same without her!